Planks

Role of planks in Timberborn: production at Sawmills and their use in advanced building construction.

Planks are a fundamental intermediate building material, produced from raw logs at a Sawmill. They represent a crucial step in refining raw resources into materials suitable for a wide range of construction projects. The importance of planks cannot be overstated, as they are required for the construction of almost all mid-to-late game buildings. This includes advanced housing that improves beaver well-being, complex industrial structures that drive your economy, and essential water management tools that are vital for survival, particularly during the challenging dry seasons. Ensuring a steady and abundant supply of planks is therefore a top priority for any expanding beaver colony. This requires not only a consistent flow of logs from your lumber operations but also sufficient sawmill capacity to process those logs efficiently. Bottlenecks in plank production can quickly halt your progress, delaying the construction of critical infrastructure and limiting your ability to respond to environmental challenges or expand your territory. A well-managed plank production chain is the backbone of a successful Timberborn settlement.

The efficiency of your Sawmills is influenced by several factors. The number of beavers assigned to operate them, the availability of logs, and the power source (if applicable for advanced sawmills) all play a role in their output. It is often beneficial to build multiple Sawmills to meet the growing demand, especially as you begin constructing more complex buildings. The placement of Sawmills should be considered in relation to your lumber camps and your construction sites. Ideally, they should be located to minimize the travel distance for both logs and finished planks. Furthermore, the research tree may offer upgrades or technologies that improve sawmill efficiency or unlock new uses for planks. For example, certain advanced buildings might require a higher quantity or specific types of planks. Therefore, maintaining a surplus of planks can be advantageous, allowing you to undertake ambitious construction projects without delay. The transition from using raw logs for basic structures to relying heavily on planks for advanced development marks a significant stage in your colony's growth and technological advancement.